Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain in the mouth, lips or tongue without any clear reason. There are often no visible signs of irritation. The cause of the syndrome may be caused by the onset of menopause to vitamin deficiencies. Both men and women can get BMS. About 5% of the population, usually people over the age of 60 are affected with this condition. Personality and mood changes (especially anxiety and depression) have been consistently demonstrated in patients with burning mouth syndrome and have been used to suggest that the disorder is a psychogenic problem. Burning mouth syndrome has not been linked to any specific medical condition, associations with a wide variety of concurrent health conditions and chronic pain conditions, involved headaches. Using blink reflex and thermal quantitative sensory tests have demonstrated signs of neuropathy in most people with burning mouth syndrome. Hormonal changes are still considered to be important factors in burning mouth syndrome. Other possible causes of BMS include nutritional deficiencies, allergies, certain medications, certain medical conditions, hormonal changes during menopause and dry mouth.
Treatment of burning mouth syndrome is highly individualized and depends on your particular signs and symptoms and on the underlying cause or causes. Treatment triggers improvement in symptoms for most people with burning mouth syndrome. Use of low dosages of clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium)13 and tricyclic antidepressants. Capsaicin (hot pepper) mouth rinses may also help some people with BMS. Thioctic acid may be a treatment for burning mouth syndrome. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS): double blind controlled study of alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid) therapy.
Avoiding foods that contain allergens that may irritate the tissues of your mouth may help. Tongue thrusting and teeth grinding (bruxism) can be helped with mouth guards, medications and relaxation techniques. There are many other tips is helpful this condition. Brush your teeth/dentures with baking soda and water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Avoid irritating substances like hot, spicy foods; mouthwashes that contain alcohol; and products high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healthatoz.info/, http://www.health-disease.org/ and http://www.health-care-articles.info/ .
